Arizona Post-Conviction Relief & Record Clearing Lawyer (Expungement, Sealing, Set-Aside, Restoration, Cleanup)

Moving Forward After a Criminal Conviction

A conviction in Arizona doesn’t have to define the rest of your life. Through post-conviction relief (PCR) and record clearing options, it’s possible to:

• Reduce the long-term impact of a past conviction
• Restore important civil rights
• Improve employment and housing opportunities
• Regain the legal right to possess firearms

At Arizona Justice Law Group, attorney Zalman Sapad has helped clients across Maricopa County and beyond seal records, restore rights, and shorten probation terms. We use a strategic, case-specific approach informed by deep knowledge of Arizona statutes and court procedures.

Record Sealing & Expungement in Arizona

Record Sealing (A.R.S. § 13-911)

• Eligibility: As of January 1, 2023, many individuals can petition to have arrest, charge, and conviction records sealed.
• Effect: Once sealed, the public (including most employers and landlords) cannot access the record. You may lawfully state you have not been arrested/charged/convicted for that offense, with certain exceptions.
• Waiting Periods: Ranges from 2–10 years after completion of sentence, depending on the offense type.
• Court Insight: Judges evaluate factors like the seriousness of the offense, victim input, and post-conviction conduct.

Hypothetical:

Jacob was convicted of misdemeanor shoplifting in 2016 has completed all court requirements and has had no other arrests. In 2023, he petitions to seal his record, removing the charge from public databases and easing his job search.

Susan was arrested and charged with a domestic violence offense, however, charges were never formally filed against her. She hired a lawyer who confirmed that the State found there was not enough evidence to charge her. She was able to seal her record of arrest after just 6-months from the date of being arrested.

Expungement – Marijuana Offenses

• Law: Under Proposition 207 (2020), certain marijuana-related arrests, charges, and convictions can be expunged.
• Eligible Offenses: Possession of up to 2.5 ounces, certain cultivation, and paraphernalia offenses.
• Benefit: The record is completely cleared, and rights related to the offense are restored.

Set Aside Convictions (A.R.S. § 13-905)

• Definition: A “set aside” does not erase the conviction but officially marks it as dismissed after the sentence is complete.
• Effect: Public record shows the case was set aside; can improve credibility with employers and licensing boards.
• Ineligible Offenses: Certain serious felonies, especially those involving serious injury, use of a deadly weapon, or sexual offenses.
• Tactical Insight: We often pair set-aside petitions with rights restoration motions to maximize impact.

Restoration of Civil Rights

After a felony conviction, you lose key rights, including:

• Voting
• Serving on a jury
• Holding public office

Automatic vs. Petition-Based Restoration:

• First-time felonies (non-dangerous): some rights may be restored automatically after sentence completion.
• Others require a petition, which can be filed immediately after all terms are completed.

Restoration of Gun Rights (A.R.S. § 13-910)

• Eligibility: Certain felonies and misdemeanors allow for restoration of firearm rights after a waiting period.
• Waiting Periods: Typically 2 years for most felonies; 10 years for “serious offenses.” Some crimes (e.g., dangerous felonies, certain domestic violence) may make restoration impossible.
• Court Considerations: Post-conviction behavior, nature of the offense, and community safety concerns.

Hypothetical:

A former military veteran convicted of a Class 4 non-violent felony in 2010 seeks to restore his gun rights. After demonstrating over a decade of stable employment, community service, and no further legal trouble, the court grants the petition.

MVD Record Cleanup

• Scope: Involves correcting or removing old, inaccurate, or administratively cleared license suspensions and violations.
• Benefit: Can lower insurance rates, improve employability for driving jobs, and remove unwarranted restrictions.

Early Termination of Probation (A.R.S. § 13-901)

• Eligibility: After completing a substantial portion of probation and meeting all conditions.
• Strategy: We file a motion supported by:
  • Proof of compliance
  • Evidence of rehabilitation
  • Support letters from employers or community members

Arizona Appellate Cases That Influence Post-Conviction Relief

• State v. Bernini (Ariz. App. 2016) – Addressed eligibility for relief of convictions classified as “dangerous” and what classifies as a “dangerous” offense.
• State v. Williams, 254 Ariz. 516 (App. 2023) – Addressed expungement eligibility for marijuana convictions post-Prop 207.

Strategic Tactics That Work in Post-Conviction Cases

1. Comprehensive Record Review – We request all court, probation, and MVD records before filing to anticipate objections.
2. Victim Input Management – We address potential victim objections before hearings to reduce opposition.
3. Character Portfolio Submission – Includes community service records, employer letters, and rehabilitation documentation.
4. Sequential Petitions – File set-aside, sealing, and rights restoration petitions together for efficiency.

Why Choose Arizona Justice Law Group for Record Clearing

• Deep familiarity with Arizona’s new record sealing laws
• Proven track record in Maricopa County, Pima County, and other Arizona jurisdictions
• Holistic approach — focusing on legal relief and long-term life improvement

📞 Call Now to Start Clearing Your Record

The sooner you begin, the sooner you can move forward with a clean slate.

Arizona Justice Law Group

📞 (602) 730-1756

📧 ArizonaJusticeLawyer@gmail.com

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